Yoga in the neonatal intensive care unit for parents (YIN): Evaluating the acceptability of an online intervention for parents of sick and preterm infants

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore parent and staff attitudes towards yoga for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents as a stress reduction intervention and determine the acceptability of an online yoga curriculum. MethodsA 13-item survey regarding attitudes about yoga as a stress reduction intervention for NICU parents was emailed to clinical and non-clinical staff at two level IV NICUs. Another 40-item survey was distributed to parents via linked QR code in both units. Results were used to determine acceptability of a 6-week online yoga curriculum for NICU parents. Results54 parent and 140 staff surveys were completed between Jan 2021–Mar 2022. Many NICU parents self-reported stress (n = 40, 74%) and anxiety (n = 35, 64%). Thirty-seven (68%) parents had practiced yoga and 13% used yoga as a coping strategy. A total of 114 (81%) staff members practiced yoga and thought yoga decreased stress (n = 125, 89%) and anxiety (n = 100, 71%). Most responders (97%) with any experience with yoga supported a yoga intervention for parents. 71% of parents supported online classes. Identified barriers from staff included liability (n = 28, 20%), cost (n = 30, 21%) and safety (n = 44, 31%). Parents cited stress (n = 1,17%), lack of time (n = 2, 33%) and inexperience (n = 1,17%) as barriers. ConclusionOnline yoga classes may be an innovative approach to address parental stress and anxiety during NICU hospitalization. ImplicationMany parents of critically ill infants in the NICU suffer from stress and anxiety. This study suggests that an online yoga curriculum for NICU parents is acceptable to parents and hospital staff and may provide an innovative non-pharmacologic approach to address parent stress and anxiety.